Private Equity Fast Pitch

As graduation season kicks off, many students and young professionals are stepping into an exciting new chapter — one filled with opportunity, growth, and a few unknowns. To mark this milestone, we’ve curated a special montage episode featuring timeless advice from nine distinguished Wharton alumni. These leaders have successfully navigated the path from campus to boardroom, and they’re sharing candid insights on mindset, momentum, and making your mark in Private Equity and Investment Banking. In this episode, you’ll hear from: Dave Tayeh – Investcorp Marc Leder – Sun Capital Partners Neha Markle – Morgan Stanley Bob Frost – Lazard Jeff Collins – Cloverlay Jeff Aiello – Agellus Michael Butler – Cascadia Capital Jack Purcell – Ridgemont Equity Partners Barry Freeman – Lincoln International Whether you’re just graduating or mentoring the next generation of finance leaders, this episode delivers practical, powerful advice that’s well worth the listen.

We’re excited to share a special episode of the Branch Out Podcast featuring Jeff Henningsen! Jeff has always been curious, creative, and committed to his goals—traits that have fueled his success across a variety of industries. Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey began early, mowing lawns as a student to earn extra cash. That side hustle eventually grew into a full-fledged business, which he sold at just 22 years old. From there, he moved into the world of private equity and ultimately became the President of Lockton Companies in Texas, a role he’s held for the past 26 years. In addition to his leadership role, Jeff is also the host of the Private Equity Fast Pitch podcast. In this conversation, originally recorded on Branch Out, Jeff shares the mindset shifts and habits that have helped him thrive—both professionally and personally. Key Points From This Episode: The key factor that separates “idea men” from successful entrepreneurs. Why Jeff is so passionate about the value of coaching. What inspired Jeff to launch his podcast—and the surprising outcomes it’s led to. The importance of committing to your goals. Why Jeff thinks of himself as a (figurative) orchestra conductor. How being an introvert can actually be a strength. Why doing beats dreaming every time. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to lead with more purpose, Jeff’s story is full of insights and inspiration.

The description of Actis' process in evaluating investments reflects the opinions of Actis and of the typical investment process (or intended investment process) as of March 2025, but this investment process can vary for particular investments and is subject to change at Actis' discretion and without prior notice. References to 'mitigating risk' does not guarantee against risk and does not protect against losses. General discussions contained in this document regarding the Indian or South East Asian market or market conditions represent the view of either the source cited or Actis. Such information is not research and should not be treated as research. Moreover, there is no assurance historical trends will continue. The information referenced herein is as of March 2025, unless otherwise indicated, is subject to change.  

Powerhouse Women in Private Equity & Investment Banking Our Female Quotes & Montage spotlights an extraordinary lineup of women who are shaping the future of private equity and investment banking. From driving strategic investments to leading top firms, these industry trailblazers embody leadership, innovation, and impact. Featuring insights from Sunaina Sinha of Raymond James, Neha Markle of Morgan Stanley, Deborah Smith of The CenterCap Group, Blythe Jack of TSG Consumer, Franny Jones of The Sterling Group, Meahgan O’Grady of Palladium Equity Partners, Shannon Zoller of Tephra Advisors, Julia Karol of Watermill Group, Gretchen Perkins of Avance Investment Management, Gina Luna of GP Capital Partners, Caroline Stevens of MPK Equity Partners, Devon Kirk of Portage Capital Solutions, Tammie Miller of TKO Miller, Chrisanne Corbett of KPMG, Lauren Mulholland of Middle Ground, and Suzanne Yoon of Kinzie Capital Partners. Their voices inspire the next generation and reinforce the power of women in finance.

Andrew Weinberg is Founder and CEO of Brightstar Capital Partners. Andrew serves as Chair of Brightstar’s Investment Committee.  Prior to founding Brightstar, Andrew was a Partner at Lindsay Goldberg, a New York-based private equity firm. Andrew served on the Boards of 13 portfolio companies during his tenure at Lindsay Goldberg. In addition, from 2008-2011 Andrew served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of Likewize. Prior to joining Lindsay Goldberg, Andrew worked at Goldman Sachs in their Principal Investment Area (PIA). Andrew started his career at Morgan Stanley in mergers and acquisitions and leveraged finance. Andrew received his MBA from Stanford GSB and an AB from Dartmouth College with a double major in History and Economics. Andrew serves as a trustee of the PGA of America REACH Foundation. Andrew is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). He is a former member of the World Economic Forum who served on the Global Future Council on Investing and the Stewardship Board of the Forum’s Platform on Shaping the Future of Investing. Andrew has appeared on multiple panels at Milken Institute and FII conferences.

Marshall Adkins joined Raymond James in 1995 and serves as the head of the firm’s Energy Investment Banking practice. Prior to this role, Mr. Adkins served as the director of Energy Research and focused on oilfield services and products. Prior to Raymond James, he spent 10 years in the oilfield services industry as a project manager, corporate financial analyst, sales manager, and engineer. He holds a B.S. degree in petroleum engineering and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jeff co-founded Agellus Capital in 2024 after spending 13 years in the private equity industry. Prior to Agellus, Jeff was a Managing Director at Thompson Street Capital Partners. Prior to Thompson Street, Jeff was a Senior Associate at Audax Private Equity. Prior to Audax, Jeff served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. Jeff holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton, and an MBA from Wharton. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, son, and daughter.

In this conversation, Erik Brooks, Founder and Managing Partner at Ethos Capital, shares his impressive journey from investment banking to founding his firm. He discusses the transformative moments in Eastern Europe that shaped his investment philosophy. Erik emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship and relationships in private equity careers. Additionally, he advocates for taking action over overthinking, sharing personal stories that highlight perseverance. Lastly, he explores the ethos of Ethos Capital, focusing on long-term benefits for all stakeholders.

We are excited to present a montage of quotes and mottos from prior guests that have inspired them throughout the years in both their careers and personal lives. As we begin a new year, we hope this special episode sets the stage and provides you with a new mindset for conquering the challenges & opportunities that lie ahead.

Bogdan Gogulan has 20 years of experience in finance, product and business development. Before initiating NewSpace Capital, he had accumulated a unique combination of cross-border experience in communication, security and defense industries. He served as VP of international operations and business development for AT Communication (Switzerland), Defendec (Baltics) and Katmerciler (Turkey), managing breakthrough projects for security and defense agencies in the Middle East and Central Asia. For years, he managed alignment and cooperation with UN agencies (BOMCA/UNDP, BOMNAF, UNODC, UNHCR, IOM) and security organizations (NATO, OSCE, ISAF). Prior to that, Bogdan worked for American Express (USA, UK) and Deutsche Bank (UK). As global sales development Program Manager and Head of Industry Analytics at American Express he was responsible for global partnerships development with top tier clients. Since 2010, Bogdan has been actively involved with UN Alliance of Civilization’s (UNAOC) participating as an OYW Ambassador in the UN Sustainable Development Goals’ initiative. Bogdan holds a BSc in Financial Economics from University of Essex and graduated from Abingdon & Whitney College. He is a co-founder and CEO of NewSpace Capital GP S.A.